46 HOW TO USE THE MICROSCOPE 



between two glass slips on the stage of the micro- 

 scope, and examine it with a 1-inch or ^-inch 

 objective, taking note of the line of cells of which 

 it is composed, and also of its root structure. 

 Perhaps there is a cat and also a dog in the house ; 

 hairs from both these animals may be examined, 

 and their structure compared with that of the 

 human hair. Feathers from a pet canary, or ex- 

 tracted from a piUow, make good objects. Perhaps 

 the dog is troubled by fleas ; at any rate, it is worth 

 while engaging in a flea hunt in order to secure one 

 or two of these lively blood-suckers for examination. 

 The live cage comes in handy for holding such active 

 creatures in position. But they are seen to best 

 advantage after being killed and prepared. Then 

 "hvely " cheese presents possibilities in the way of 

 cheese-mites, which look so disgusting and for- 

 midable, under even a low power, that the observer's 

 appetite for cheese is likely to be spoiled. Table 

 and window plants yield abundance of material in 

 all their parts, and the same may be said of ordinary 

 vegetables and fruits. 



This first evening of desultory examinations ought 

 to be followed by periods of more serious work. 

 There are far too many owners of microscopes who 

 regard their instruments rather as interesting toys 

 and a source of amusement than as a means of real 

 intellectual culture. Possibly one reason for this 

 attitude is lack of scientific training and the need 

 of guidance in observation. But if a novice lacks 

 training he need not be deterred from serious investi- 

 gation, for scientific method can be acquired pro- 

 vided the worker puts real effort into his work, is 



